How To Choose A Concealed Carry Holster

Selecting your first concealed carry holster isn’t as simple as grabbing the cheapest IWB off the shelf. For most first-time carriers, the process can feel overwhelming: different materials, carry positions, mounting systems, retention styles, safety concerns, and conflicting advice from forums or shops. But here’s the truth:

If your holster isn't comfortable, secure, and concealable, you’ll find reasons not to wear it. And if you don’t wear it, your concealed carry setup doesn’t protect you at all.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to choose your first concealed carry holster—from the foundational features every holster must have to the differences between carry methods, body types, and everyday routines.

Whether you're carrying a micro-compact like a Sig P365 or a full-size Glock 17, this breakdown will give you the confidence to select gear that supports your lifestyle, not just your waistband.

What Makes a Good Concealed Carry Holster?

Before evaluating holster brands, carry positions, or materials, it's essential to understand the non-negotiable attributes of a concealed carry holster. Whether you're carrying inside the waistband or using a modular rig, a reliable holster must fulfill four key roles:

1. Secure the firearm in place without shifting or allowing accidental movement
2. Enable a consistent and efficient draw under stress
3. Remain discreet by minimizing printing and shifting under clothing
4. Provide long-term comfort to support daily carry habits

Each of these areas directly affects safety, accessibility, and your willingness to carry consistently.

Here’s how to evaluate them in detail.

1. Retention and Firearm Security

Retention is the foundational safety feature of any holster. A properly designed holster must hold the firearm firmly in place, regardless of body movement, terrain, or orientation. Without adequate retention, a firearm can shift during routine motion, creating serious safety risks or delaying your response under stress.

What to look for:

• Full trigger guard coverage with no exposure from any angle
• A firm click or lock-in sensation when holstering the firearm, especially at the trigger guard or ejection port
• Passive retention that holds the firearm without unnecessary force during draw
• Adjustable retention screws or systems that allow fine-tuning for user preference

Field tests:

• With your pistol cleared and unloaded, insert it into the holster and turn it upside down. A properly retained pistol will stay locked in place.
• Wear the holster and perform dynamic movements: walk quickly, sit, climb stairs, kneel. The firearm should stay stationary without rotating, shifting, or rising out of the holster.
• Perform multiple draw and reholster cycles. There should be no loosening of retention over time.

Holsters with molded polymer shells, like those in the Alien Gear ShapeShift or Cloak series, use indexed geometry to retain the firearm without relying solely on friction. This type of engineered fit improves consistency across different environments and positions.

2. Efficient Draw Access Under Stress

Drawing a firearm isn’t just about speed—it’s about repeatability and efficiency in a stressful, high-stakes moment. A holster must present the firearm’s grip at the right angle, with minimal interference, and allow for a controlled, full-hand acquisition from your chosen carry position.

What to look for:

• Grip accessible from a neutral wrist position
• Cant angle that supports natural hand motion (usually 15–20° forward for strong-side IWB)
• Ride height that positions the grip close to the beltline without burying it too deep or exposing it excessively
• Rigid shell mouth that allows safe, one-handed reholstering without collapsing inward

Practical test:

• Use a cleared or inert training firearm and perform ten draws while standing. Repeat from a seated position.
• Monitor hand placement: if your fingers drag across clothing or the holster interferes with grip, repositioning or adjustment is needed.
• Evaluate whether your wrist remains neutral or must flex awkwardly to initiate the draw.

Many modern holsters allow users to adjust ride height and cant independently. This is critical, especially when moving between appendix carry and strong-side positions, as body geometry and clothing layers impact draw accessibility.

3. Concealment and Printing Control

A concealed carry holster must keep your firearm hidden—not just from view, but from shape recognition under clothing. Concealment depends on holster design, firearm size, carry position, and how well the holster locks the gun into your body’s natural profile.

What to look for:

• Slim profile with minimal shell footprint
• Adjustable cant and ride height for tuning concealment angle
• Claw or wing attachments that rotate the grip inward, reducing outward printing
• Stable mounting system that holds position during movement

Real-world test:

• Dress in your usual clothing and load your daily carry setup.
• Walk, sit, and reach. Use mirrors or video from side and rear angles to check for printing.
• If your grip prints aggressively when leaning forward, or if your shirt catches on the holster when sitting, re-evaluate ride height and angle.

Grip printing is most common in appendix and 3 o’clock carry positions, particularly with double-stack pistols. A well-designed holster mitigates this with thoughtful geometry and positioning—not by adding unnecessary bulk or pressure.

4. Comfort and Daily Wearability

Comfort is often misunderstood as an optional concern—but if you can’t wear a holster comfortably for 8–10 hours, you won’t carry consistently. The best holster is the one that you’ll actually wear—and that means zero hot spots, zero shifting, and no pressure fatigue by hour three.

What to look for:

• Breathable backing materials (neoprene, mesh laminate, leather) that reduce sweat buildup
• Flexible base or hybrid structure that moves with the body rather than resisting it
• Wide clip spacing or distributed anchor points that prevent concentrated pressure on hips or soft tissue
• Lightweight construction that doesn’t sag, roll, or press into the abdomen while seated

Field evaluation:

• Wear your holster with your EDC firearm for an entire workday—minimum 8 hours.
• Track discomfort: does it build over time? Does it interfere with sitting, bending, or getting in/out of a vehicle?
• Adjust your belt once or twice during the day. If the holster feels significantly different before/after, your fit may be unstable or overly belt-dependent.

Hybrid IWB holsters often provide the best entry point for comfort-focused carry. Look for models with steel or polymer cores (to maintain structure), paired with soft fabric backers for comfort against skin or undershirts. Sweat guards, rounded edges, and variable ride height all contribute to a holster’s long-term wearability.

Choosing a Holster by Carry Position

The location where you carry your holster determines not only how comfortable it feels, but also how quickly you can access your firearm and how effectively you can conceal it. Your body type, mobility, wardrobe, and even daily schedule all influence what carry position will work best for you.

There is no universally best position—only what works best for your firearm, your clothing, and your lifestyle. Below, we’ll explore the most common concealed carry positions and break down how each performs in realistic, day-to-day scenarios.

Appendix Carry (AIWB) – 12 to 1 o’clock

Appendix carry places the firearm in the front of the waistband, usually between the belt buckle and the dominant-side hip. It has become one of the most popular choices among experienced carriers for its speed and concealment potential.

This position offers fast, natural draw access—especially from a seated or buckled-in posture, which is why it’s ideal for commuters and professionals who spend long hours behind the wheel. AIWB also allows for excellent concealment under untucked shirts or hoodies because the firearm’s footprint blends into the torso’s natural shadow line.

However, AIWB does come with challenges. The position is less forgiving for those with larger midsections or tight waistbands. Larger pistols may cause printing at the grip or discomfort at the muzzle—particularly when seated.

To get the most out of appendix carry, look for:

• A holster with a claw attachment to rotate the grip inward and reduce printing
• Adjustable ride height and cant, allowing the gun to sit lower and angle naturally
• A rounded muzzle wedge or foam pad to minimize pressure on the pelvic crease

Strong-Side Hip Carry – 3 o’clock (IWB or OWB)

Carrying directly over the dominant-side hip is often the go-to for new carriers. It offers a familiar draw angle and generally requires less experimentation to get right. Strong-side carry aligns well with most natural draw mechanics, especially if you've trained from a belt-level position.

For many body types, this is the most comfortable and intuitive setup, especially when carrying a full-size pistol with a longer slide. It's also the easiest to conceal under a light jacket or overshirt—particularly with an OWB holster that rides high and tight.

The drawback is that this position may print more noticeably with shorter shirt hems or tighter clothing. The grip of the firearm can stick out when leaning forward or reaching overhead. Additionally, sitting for extended periods may push the muzzle into the top of the thigh or hip bone.

Ideal holsters for 3 o’clock carry include:

• Winged IWB holsters with a broad backer to distribute weight
• OWB holsters with high ride height and minimal shell bulk
• Adjustable cant for grip orientation and smoother draw angles

Behind-the-Hip Carry – 4 to 5 o’clock

Positioning the firearm just behind the hip offers excellent concealment, especially under longer shirts or jackets. The contour of the body naturally hides the grip, making this a favorite among those concerned with minimizing printing in public.

This position also allows for good weight distribution along the belt line, which reduces fatigue for larger-framed carriers or those wearing heavier pistols for extended hours. For standing or walking, this setup feels balanced and low-profile.

However, it becomes less accessible when seated. Drawing from 4 or 5 o’clock can require significant torso rotation and wrist articulation, which introduces friction and slows down presentation. It’s also harder to protect the firearm from potential gun grabs since it’s positioned behind you.

Look for:

• Holsters with angled cant (15–20 degrees forward) to align the grip with your natural draw motion
• Flexible backers that contour with the waist
• Holsters with low ride height options if you're wearing tucked-in or tighter shirts

Ankle Carry

Ankle holsters are best reserved for backup guns—typically small-frame revolvers or micro-compact pistols. While they offer deep concealment, especially with bootcut pants or relaxed-fit slacks, they present significant access limitations.

Drawing from the ankle requires bending, kneeling, or crossing your leg. This is slow in dynamic environments and extremely difficult while seated in a car or behind a desk. That said, for individuals who cannot wear a waistband holster due to medical devices, dress codes, or physical discomfort, ankle carry may be the only viable option.

Holsters in this category should feature:

• Compression sleeves or wrap systems that prevent bouncing or slipping
• Trigger guard reinforcement, even with soft materials
• Dedicated sizing for your pistol—not a universal fit

Use ankle carry as a complement to primary carry, not a replacement.

 

Drop Leg (Thigh) Carry

Drop leg holsters sit below the waist and attach around the thigh via straps. They are designed for open carry, not concealment. Their primary use case is law enforcement, range training, hunting, or property-based open carry where draw speed is a priority.

This setup keeps the firearm clear of plate carriers, backpacks, and waist-mounted tools. It’s also ideal when drawing from the hip is restricted, such as in a vehicle or when wearing heavy outerwear. However, it’s impractical for civilian concealment. The position is slow to access when seated and nearly impossible to hide under average clothing.

Best use case: training environments, ATV travel, open carry while on rural land.

Look for:

• Retention straps or locking systems to secure the firearm during movement
• Adjustable ride height for leg length and ease of draw
• Compatible systems with MOLLE integration or duty belt platforms

Additional Considerations When Choosing Your First Concealed Carry Holster

Once you’ve narrowed down carry position, holster material, and retention features, the next step is to evaluate how a holster fits into your routine, body mechanics, and personal learning curve.

Many of the real frustrations first-time carriers face happen after the purchase—when a holster turns out to be incompatible with daily movement, fails to integrate with clothing, or causes training issues due to a poor fit or layout.

This section breaks down what to consider before committing to your first holster purchase.

Holster Budget and Long-Term Value

It’s easy to think of your first holster as a disposable accessory—something to “try out” before getting serious. The problem is, poorly made holsters often introduce bad habits, concealment failures, or dangerous retention flaws. Holsters that collapse under pressure, shift with every step, or fail to isolate the trigger guard become a liability—not a learning tool.

When budgeting for your first holster, consider:

• Whether it will allow daily carry without discomfort
• Whether it will hold up to repetitive training cycles (dry fire, range drills)
• Whether it’s specific to a gun model, or flexible enough for future pistols or positions

A generic nylon holster may technically “hold the gun,” but it won’t offer safe reholstering, secure retention under movement, or integration with a sturdy EDC belt. You may spend $20 and find out it lasts two weeks—forcing you to start over with a real investment.

Instead:

• Allocate at least $45–$70 for a molded IWB holster with adjustable features
• Consider modular kits like the ShapeShift Core Carry Pack if you want to explore appendix, strong-side, and OWB carry without buying multiple holsters
• Avoid holsters without a trial or warranty policy—first-timers need room to adjust

A well-designed, form-fitted holster that matches your firearm and body is more than gear—it’s what makes your entire concealed carry setup functional and dependable.

Safe Testing and Break-In Period

Your holster must be validated through movement and repetition before you trust it with a live firearm. Most problems don’t show up during an initial mirror check—they show up during bending, walking, sitting, or reholstering from a compromised angle.

A proper break-in and testing process will expose weaknesses in:

• Retention pressure
• Belt integration
• Clothing compatibility
• Draw accessibility from seated or mobile positions

Here’s how to test your first holster:

• Draw and reholster 30–50 times using a cleared pistol or training gun. Do it from standing, seated, and partial crouch positions.
• Wear it for a full workday. Include transitions between sitting, standing, walking, and driving.
• Use your cover garment during practice. Evaluate how the holster interacts with different fabrics—light shirts, jackets, or tucked layers.
• Reholster one-handed, without looking. The shell mouth should not collapse, shift, or rotate under belt tension.

Avoid shortcuts. Drawing from a rigid holster feels different at 6 a.m. on a range than it does at 9 p.m. in a car. Your testing should reflect real-world conditions—clothing, seatbelts, backpacks, and all.

Modularity and Adaptability

Choosing a fixed-position holster can be frustrating if you’re not sure what your long-term preference will be. Many first-time users start with strong-side carry, then shift to appendix after realizing it offers better concealment. Others begin with IWB and realize that certain jackets allow for discreet OWB instead.

If you buy single-purpose holsters for each position, you’re not just spending more—you’re starting over with a different feel, different draw angle, and new retention profile each time.

Modular holster systems allow you to:

• Use the same shell and retention profile across multiple carry platforms

• Swap between appendix, hip, OWB, shoulder, drop-leg, or backpack-mounted rigs

• Experiment with ride height, cant, and clip configuration without discarding the entire unit

For instance, the ShapeShift Modular System includes IWB, OWB paddle, OWB belt slide, and appendix options—all powered by the same molded shell. You don’t just save money; you standardize how your draw feels across positions. That builds muscle memory, reduces the learning curve, and simplifies your gear choices as your carry needs evolve.

Matching Your Holster to Body Type and Daily Routine

A holster might meet every checklist requirement—but if it doesn’t align with your physical build, clothing style, or movement patterns, it can quickly become impractical. This is often where new carriers run into issues: their gear doesn’t reflect how they actually dress, move, or work.

Key physical and lifestyle considerations:

• Short torso: Appendix carry may feel cramped or pinch at the beltline. A lower-profile shell or high ride height helps create space without sacrificing concealment.
• Thicker waistline: Strong-side or behind-the-hip carry may create less pressure at the abdomen. Consider holsters with flexible backers and wide clip spacing to distribute weight.
• Tucked-in shirts: Look for a tuckable holster with discreet metal or polymer clips. Non-tuckable models will require your shirt to be untucked or layered.
• Extended sitting (desk jobs, drivers): Appendix carry with a soft wedge or curved muzzle profile prevents the grip from digging into the stomach or thighs. Reholstering safety is especially critical in this position.
• Active jobs (construction, service, trades): A two-clip hybrid holster offers better retention and balance than minimalist shells that can shift or rotate during movement. Consider increased passive retention if bending and lifting are frequent.

Every body reacts differently to pressure, heat, and rotation at the waistline. The best holster is not the one that looks sleek—it’s the one you forget you're wearing after hour four.

Making the Right Holster Choice as a First-Time Concealed Carrier

Choosing your first concealed carry holster is more than picking a product—it’s building the foundation for your carry routine, your safety habits, and your ability to respond under pressure. The gear you trust must support consistent carry, reliable access, and responsible concealment across a wide range of daily conditions.

Start with a system that locks down the basics:

• Secure retention that protects the trigger guard and stabilizes the firearm through movement
• A holster shape and cant angle that support efficient drawing, whether you're standing or seated
• Low-profile concealment features like claw attachments, ride height adjustment, and compact footprint
• Real-world comfort that holds up during eight-hour shifts, long commutes, or varied physical activity

Appendix carry, strong-side IWB, or behind-the-hip can all work well—if paired with the right shell geometry, belt attachment system, and clothing integration. For those new to concealed carry, modular holster platforms provide a major advantage. They reduce trial-and-error by allowing you to explore different positions and configurations without committing to a drawer full of unused gear.

Just as importantly, a well-built holster encourages the habits that matter: carrying consistently, training with your setup, and handling your firearm safely in dynamic environments. That starts with selecting a rig designed not just for convenience—but for the demands of everyday carry.

Whether you carry a micro-compact like the P365, a double-stack like the Glock 19, or rotate between platforms, your holster is the one piece of gear that must adapt to you—not the other way around.

Get the fit right. Get the draw right. And make sure your first holster builds confidence that lasts beyond the first week.